Cross Sectional Study of Sleep-wake and Melatonin Patterns in Patients Treated for Craniopharyngiomas Compared to Matched Controls

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain containing a number of nuclei with a variety of functions. It is central in the regulation of hormone secretion, sleep, and circadian functions. The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is a key component in controlling circadian rhythms and generates the rhythm of melatonin secretion from the pineal gland and cortisol secretion. Both melatonin and cortisol are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep.

Craniopharyngiomas are a type of brain tumors that usually affect the hypothalamus indirectly. In general, they are locally aggressive invading crucial structures e.g. the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the optic nerve. Compared to healthy controls, craniopharyngioma patients have previously been reported with impaired quality of life, increased self-reported general and physical fatigue, increased daytime sleepiness, and increased prevalence of severe sleepiness

Damage to the hypothalamus by local tumour or its treatment might involve the suprachiasmatic nucleus and thereby melatonin secretion leading to disturbed circadian function causing clinical manifestations in terms of daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

The investigators aimed to assess the influence of craniopharyngiomas or their treatment on melatonin secretion, and the association with sleep pattern, sleep quality, fatigue, and sleepiness.

15 patients with craniopharyngioma and 15 gender, age, and BMI matched healthy controls were included. Salivary melatonin and cortisol were measured over a 24h-period. Sleep-wake patterns were characterized by two weeks of actigraphy recordings and sleep diaries. Sleepiness, fatigue, sleep quality, and general health were assessed by questionnaires.